NRM, SPLM sign cooperation pact to deepen regional ties

Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement and South Sudan’s SPLM signed a memorandum of understanding in Kampala on May 11, in a move both parties say will deepen political cooperation and regional ties.

Coverage from NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and Nile Post says the agreement formalizes a long-running relationship between the parties and sets out cooperation on regional integration, socio-economic transformation and party capacity building.

What the pact covers

According to the reports, the memorandum includes cooperation on human-capital development, women and youth empowerment, and the strengthening of party structures. It also establishes a joint committee to coordinate the relationship.

The pact was signed ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in, according to Daily Monitor’s reporting.

Who signed

Reporting says NRM secretary general Richard Todwong represented the Ugandan ruling party at the signing. The SPLM side was represented by its secretary general, identified in different reports as Dr. Paul Okol and Dr. Akol Paul Kordit.

The core details of the agreement are consistent across the reports, despite the variation in the spelling of the SPLM official’s name.

Why it matters

The agreement adds a formal layer to the parties’ existing relationship and comes at a time when regional political coordination and integration remain a priority for both sides.

An earlier NRM statement from 2024 also showed the parties already had cooperation arrangements, including ideological training for SPLM leaders in Kyankwanzi.

The parties have not yet publicly released the full text of the memorandum in the material reviewed.